Emerald Isle is trying to reduce a surging deer population. Dozens of neighbors went to court to stop hunters from patrolling their Lands End neighborhood as they have since the hunt began several weeks ago.

Some residents expressed concern that the 13 hunters will be too close to their children as they track deer from before dawn to 10 a.m.

The hunters are managed by the Emerald Isle Police Department. Lieutenant Jeff Waters says each hunter is trained and undergoes a background check.